Method, apparatus, and system for golf product reconfiguration

ABSTRACT

A weight element for slideable communication along first and second ribs of a weight path of a golf club head includes a first weight portion, a second weight portion, and a fastener extending through the first weight portion and at least partially into the second weight portion. The first and second weight portions are configured so that the first and second ribs may be interposed therebetween. The fastener is configured to independently rotate relative to the first and second weight portions, the rotation of the fastener causing the first and second weight portions to move toward each other in a manner capable of compressing contact surfaces of the first and second weight portions against the first and second ribs. And the contact surface of the first weight portion comprises an angular contour including surface portions angled to form at least one non-zero degree vertex.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/467,592, filed Aug. 25, 2014, which in turn is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/312,455, filed Dec.6, 2011. Application Ser. No. 13/312,455 in turn claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/436,715, filedJan. 27, 2011. The disclosures of these prior applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION

The disclosure below may be subject to copyright protection. Thecopyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyoneof the documents containing this disclosure, as they appear in thePatent and Trademark Office records, but otherwise reserves allapplicable copyrights.

BACKGROUND

As technology has progressed, the extent to which golfers may customizegolf products has significantly increased. For example, golf clubs haveincreasingly included user-adjustable features. In particular, golf clubmanufacturers have introduced golf clubs with one or moreinterchangeable weight elements removably secured within correspondingweight ports. Also, manufacturers have introduced devices, e.g.repositionable shafts, for user-adjustment of face angle, loft angleand/or lie angle of a golf club. As another example, manufacturers haveprovided for greater selection of golf clubs and golf balls, andcomponents thereof, from an array of distinct golf clubs and golf balls,and components thereof, respectively, based on golfer swingcharacteristics, preferences, and course conditions.

However, the effect on actual performance of a reconfiguration of a golfclub property or a selection of a specific golf club or golf ball, isoften difficult to anticipate, particularly for a golfer in the midst ofplay. For example, for a golf club having multiple interchangeableweight elements and a repositionable shaft, the relationship between theconfiguration of each interchangeable weight element and shaft positionand their effect on the trajectory shape of a hit golf ball is complex.Further, characteristics external to the golf club, such as average windspeed, elevation, and fairway conditions also contribute to theperformance of the golf club in an interrelated manner. Because of suchcomplexity, a golfer's ability to capitalize on user-adjustable featuresand the available selection of golf products and components issignificantly limited.

SUMMARY

Hence, a need exists for a method, apparatus, and system for assisting agolfer in anticipating the effects of reconfiguring one or moreuser-adjustable features of the golf club on golf club performance.

Accordingly, a computer program according to an example of the inventionmay perform steps including: receiving a first data input correspondingto a current configuration of an adjustable feature of the golf club,receiving a second data input corresponding to trajectory adjustmentinformation, generating reconfiguration information that corresponds toone of a plurality of configurations of the adjustable feature of thegolf club, based on the first data input and the second data input, andoutputting the reconfiguration information.

Another aspect may include a system having a property-adjustable golfclub and a correlated software program. The golf club may include a golfclub head, a shaft secured to the golf club head, and a first adjustmentfeature reconfigurable between any of a first plurality ofconfigurations. A first property of the golf club varies between each ofthe first plurality of configurations. The software program performssteps including: receiving a first data input corresponding to a currentconfiguration of the first adjustment feature, receiving a second datainput corresponding to trajectory adjustment information, generatingreconfiguration information that corresponds to one of the firstplurality of configurations of the first adjustment feature, based onthe first data input and the second data input, and outputting thereconfiguration information.

Another aspect may include a system having a property-adjustable golfclub and a software program. The golf club includes a golf club head, ashaft secured to the golf club head, a first adjustment featurereconfigurable between a first plurality of configurations such that afirst property of the golf club varies between each of the firstplurality of configurations, and a second adjustment featurereconfigurable between a second plurality of configurations such that asecond property of the golf club varies between each of the secondplurality of configurations. The software program performs stepsincluding: receiving a first data input corresponding to one of thefirst plurality of configurations, receiving a second data inputcorresponding to one of the second plurality of configurations,generating resultant information by correlating the first data inputwith the second data input, and displaying the resultant information onan electronic display device.

The various exemplary aspects described above may be implementedindividually or in various combinations. These and other features andadvantages of the methods, devices, and systems according to theinvention in its various aspects and demonstrated by one or more of thevarious examples will become apparent after consideration of the ensuingdescription, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.Exemplary implementations will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical view of a computing system, in communicationwith external features, according to one or more aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1(a) is a schematic view of the computing system of FIG. 1 showingfurther detail.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical view of a mobile communication terminal, incommunication with external features, according to one or more aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 2(a) is a schematic view of the mobile communication terminal ofFIG. 2, in communication with external features, according to one ormore aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a property-adjustable golf club,according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3(a) is a detail of the property-adjustable golf club of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3(b) is a bottom plan view of the property-adjustable golf club ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 3(c) is an exploded bottom plan view of the property-adjustablegolf club of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3(d) is an exploded heel-side elevation view of theproperty-adjustable golf club of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart exemplifying a golf club fitting process,according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4(a) illustrates a screen shot displayed to a user during theexecution of the golf club fitting process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart exemplifying a sub-process of the golf-clubfitting process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5(a) illustrates various logic-enabled databases for use inconjunction with the golf-club fitting process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5(b) illustrates various screen shots displayed to a user atvarious points during the execution of the golf-club fitting process ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart exemplifying a sub-process of the golf-clubfitting process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6(a) is a flowchart showing further detail of step 340 of thesub-process of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6(b) illustrates various logic-enabled databases for use inconjunction with the sub-process of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6(c) is a flowchart exemplifying a sub-process of the golf-clubfitting process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6(d) illustrates various screen shots, displayed to a user, atvarious points during the execution of the sub-process of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6(e) is a flowchart showing further detail of step 348 of thesub-process of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6(f) illustrates various logic-enabled databases for use inconjunction with the sub-process of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6(g) illustrates a logic-enabled database for use in conjunctionwith the sub-process of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7(a) is a front perspective view of an exemplary golf club head inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7(b) is a rear perspective view of the exemplary golf club head ofFIG. 7(a).

FIG. 7(c) is an exploded rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7(a).

FIG. 7(d) is a top plan view of the golf club head of FIG. 7(a) with acover plate removed.

FIG. 7(e) is a bottom rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7(a).

FIG. 7(f) is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 7(a),through the cross-section of 7(f), as shown in FIG. 7(d).

FIG. 7(g) is a heel-side elevational view of the golf club head of FIG.7(a), with paths superimposed thereon.

FIG. 7(h) is a front perspective view of an adjustment tool, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7(i) is a diagrammatical view of the adjustment tool of FIG. 7(h).

FIG. 7(j) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the adjustment tool ofFIG. (h) in combination with a portion of the golf club head of FIG.7(a), in an operating position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a computing machine 100, e.g. a personal computer,is shown. The computing machine 100 includes an electronic display 104,a user interface 106 including a mouse 114 and a keyboard 108, and acentral processing unit (CPU) 102. The electronic display 104 maycomprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, a dot matrixdisplay, a transreflective backlit display, or any other displaytechnology that enables viewing of textual, graphical, and/or videoinformation. In one or more aspects of the present invention, a printingdevice 112 communicates with the central processing unit 102. Aremovable storage device 114 is shown. The removable storage device 114may compromise a CD-ROM type storage medium or other removable storagedevice known in the art.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, the computing machine100 is connected to the Internet or local network via a communicationlink 130, whereupon information may be transmitted to, and/or receivedfrom, remote servers, e.g. a remote server 116, or other networkedcomputers. In one or more aspects of the present invention, thecommunication link 130 comprises a conventional wireless communicationlink. In alternative aspects of the present invention, the communicationlink 130 comprises cabling or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1(a), the computing machine 100 includes a hardwareprocessor 122. The processor 122 communicates with the display 104, theuser interface 106, a modem 120 for transmitting data to, and receivingdata from, the Internet or other network of remote computers. Theprocessor 122 further communicates with a memory device 118, i.e. astorage medium, which includes a volatile memory device, a non-volatilememory device, or both. Software programs, such as any of the inventiveprograms described below, may be stored on the memory device 118 to beexecuted by the processor 122. Alternatively, or in addition, softwareprograms, such as any of the inventive programs described below, may bestored on the removable storage device 114 (see FIG. 1) to be executedby the processor 122. Alternatively, or in addition, software programs,such as any of the inventive programs described below, may be stored ona memory device associated with the remote server 116 to be executed bythe processor 122 by the transfer of data to and from the modem 120.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 2(a), a mobile communication terminal 200is shown. The mobile communication terminal 200 includes a hardwareprocessor 222. The hardware processor 222 communicates with anelectronic display 204, a user interface 212, a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) receiver 228, and a memory device 218. The electronicdisplay 204 may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasmadisplay, a dot matrix display, a transreflective backlit display, or anyother display technology that enables viewing of textual, graphical,and/or video information. The user interface 212 may comprise a touchscreen interface overlaying, or incorporated into, the display 204 toallow the user to simply select displayed information by pressing onappropriate areas of the display 204 with a finger or supplied stylus.Alternatively, or in addition, the user interface 212 may include akeyboard, keypad, a touchpad, a speech-to-text converter in combinationwith a microphone, and/or any other means for selecting items orinformation displayed on the display 204 or entering information intothe mobile communication terminal 200.

The processor 222 further communicates with a transmitter 224 and areceiver 220. The transmitter 224 and receiver 220 communicate with anantenna 226 for wirelessly transmitting data to, and receiving datafrom, the Internet and/or network of computing devices and/or othermobile communication terminals. Alternatively, the mobile communicationdevice 200 may communicate with the Internet or other network throughcabling or other connection device known in the art. The GPS receiver228 is adapted to receive location data from a GPS satellite (notshown). The memory 218 includes a volatile memory device, a non-volatilememory device, or both. The memory device 218 may store softwareprograms, such as any of the inventive programs described below, to beexecuted by the processor 222. Alternatively, software programs, such asany of the inventive programs described below, may be stored on astorage device associated with the remote server 216, to be executed bythe processor 222 via a wireless communication link 230 and datacommunication by the transmitter 224 and the receiver 220.

The processor 222 utilizes conventional signal and data processingtechniques to, inter alia, process signals received by the receiver 220via a wireless communication link 230, generate signals to betransmitted by the transmitter 224 via the communication link 230,receive and process data, video and other information received from theuser interface 212, the GPS receiver 228, and control the display ofdata, graphics, and video on the electronic display 204. The processor222 comprises a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a state machine, logic circuitry, and/or any otherdevice, or combination of devices, that processes information based onoperational or programming instructions stored in a memory device, suchas the memory device 218. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the processor 222 may comprise multiple processors asmay be required to handle the processing requirements of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3(a), an exemplary property-adjustable golfclub 232, in accordance with the present invention, is shown. The golfclub 232 includes a top portion 242, a bottom portion 243 opposite thetop portion 242, a heel portion 256, and a toe portion 258 opposite theheel portion 256. The golf club 232 further includes a striking face 234for hitting a golf ball, and a rear portion 260 opposite the strikingface 234 (see FIG. 3(b)). The golf club head 232 further includes ahosel 236 extending from the top portion 242 proximate the heel portion256, and a shaft 238 coupled to the hosel 236. The shaft includes a tipend 252 proximate the hosel 236 and a butt end 254 distal the hosel 236.A grip 240 is secured to the shaft 238 proximate the butt end 254.

Referring to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(d), the shaft 238 is configured to beremovably securable to the hosel 236. Specifically, the shaft 238 isattachable to the hosel 236 in any of twelve different positions. Eachposition corresponds to a unique combination of lie angle and face angleof the golf club 232. In alternative aspects of the present invention,the shaft 238 is attachable to the hosel in more than, or less than,twelve positions. Alternatively, the positions correspond only to uniquegolf club face angles, while lie angle is constant, or correspond tounique golf club lie angles, while face angle is constant.Alternatively, or in addition, the golf club is adapted such that a loftangle is modifiable.

A fastener 268 is insertable through an aperture 270 extending from thebottom portion 243 of the golf club 232 into an inner bore space of thehosel 236. The tip 250 of the shaft 238 includes a threaded aperture(not shown) for receiving the fastener 268. In some aspects of thepresent invention, the tip 250 of the shaft 238 further includes ridges,or fluted recesses, extending in the axial direction of the shaft andpositioned about the circumference of the shaft 238 for securing properplacement of the shaft 238 within the hosel 236. The hosel 236 mayinclude an inner surface (not shown) having geometry complementary withthe tip end 252 of the shaft 238 such that, when the shaft 238 isinserted into the hosel 236, rotational movement of the tip 250 islimited. The position of the shaft 238 is secured by tightening thefastener 268. In some aspects of the present invention, a fastening toolis provided to appropriately secure the position of the shaft 238. Sucha tool may comprise a conventional screw driver, wrench, allen wrench,allen key, torx wrench, a wrench having a polygonal cross-section, awrench having a proprietary cross-sectional shape, or the like. In oneor more aspects of the present invention, the fastening tool includes atorque-sensing device and, optionally, an indicator for indicating, tothe user, the current torque being applied to the fastener and/or when athreshold torque has been reached or exceeded.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), indicator indicia 262 a is provided on the hoselportion 236 of the golf club 232. A second set of indicia 262 b isprovided proximate the tip end 252 of the shaft 238. The second set ofindicia 262 b includes a series of incremented marks, representing lieangle offset values and face angle offset values. The alignment of thesecond set of indicia 262 b and the indicator indicia 262 a isindicative of the position of the shaft 238. Adjustment of the lie angleand the face angle is enabled by the shaft having a shaft axis that isradially offset from a hosel axis. This shaft 238 and hosel 236configuration constitutes a non-deformative property-adjustment feature.A “non-deformative property-adjustment feature,” as used herein, denotesa feature of a golf club, e.g. golf club 232, that enables modificationof a property of the golf club without resulting in appreciable plasticdeformation of any portion of the golf club.

Referring to FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c), a first weight port 244 a is locatedproximate the rear portion 260 of the golf club 232. A second weightport 244 b is located proximate the heel portion 256 of the golf club232. Weight elements 246 a and 246 b are configured to be removablysecurable within the first weight port 244 a and the second weight port244 b, respectively. Specifically, the weight elements 246 a and 246 binclude threaded portions such that the weight elements 246 a and 246 bmay be secured to corresponding threaded portions of the weight ports244 a and 244 b using a fastening tool such as a conventional screwdriver, wrench, allen wrench, allen key, or the like. In one or moreaspects of the present invention, the fastening tool includes atorque-sensing device and, optionally, an indicator for indicating, tothe user, the current torque being applied to the fastener or when athreshold torque has been reached or exceeded. The combination of weightports and corresponding removable weights constitutes a non-deformativeproperty-adjustment feature of the golf club 232.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, a user may selectweight elements to secure within each of the first weight port 244 a andthe second weight port 244 b from a kit of weight elements. In someaspects of the present invention, the kit includes weight elementshaving masses of 3 grams, 7 grams, 7 grams, and 11 grams. In alternativeaspects of the present invention, the kit includes fewer, or more,weight elements. Alternatively, or in addition, the kit includes weightelements of different masses.

One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that such adjustablefeatures may be incorporated into the design of other types of golfclubs, such as putter-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs includingwedge-type golf clubs, and hybrid-type golf clubs. Additionally, one ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate that additional, oralternative, property-adjustable features may be incorporated into thedesign of the golf club 232, including a repositionable orinterchangeable sole or sole plate, optionally for enabling a golf clubhead to have different face angles when oriented in an address position,a variable stiffness striking face, a shaft repositionable in one of aplurality of discrete locations, a removable striking face, and aremovable top portion or crown.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, a user-interactivesoftware program is embodied on computer-readable medium, e.g. memory218, for assisting a user in selecting a golf club, or golf product, orassisting a user in reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club, e.g.property-adjustable golf club 232. For clarity, software programs,related methods, and systems will be described with regard to the mobilecommunication terminal 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 2(a) and in view of theproperty-adjustable golf club 232 shown in FIG. 3. One of ordinary skillin the art would appreciate that such software programs, methods, andsystems may also be carried out by like features of the computing device100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1(a), or other computing device known inthe art, having similar features, and in view of other golf clubs havingsimilar adjustable properties or alternative adjustable properties knownin the art.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, a software program forassisting a golfer in reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club isstored in the memory 218 of the mobile communication terminal 200. Inone or more alternative aspects of the present invention, the softwareprogram is stored on a computer-readable storage device associated withthe remote server 216, which is accessed by the processor 222 throughthe transmitter 224 and the receiver 220 and, in some aspects, using aconventional web browser. The relative order of the various steps of oneor more of the following inventive processes are for purposes ofexemplification. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate thatvarious steps of one or more of the following inventive processes may beomitted, or the relative order of such steps may be altered withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one or more aspects of the present invention, asoftware program, when executed by the processor 222, causes theprocessor 222 to display a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display204, exemplified by a screen shot 270 shown in FIG. 4(a). The GUIprompts a user to select a sub-program from one or more fittingsub-programs. Such sub-programs include one or more of: (a) a golf clubselection sub-program for assisting the user in selecting a golf club,or component thereof, from among a plurality of distinct golf clubs, orcomponents thereof, and, optionally, configuring the golf club to theneeds of the user (e.g. “TOTAL STAR FIT,” as shown in the screen shot270 of FIG. 4(a)); (b) a corrective golf club reconfigurationsub-program for assisting a user in performing a reconfiguration,preferably a non-deformative reconfiguration, of a property-adjustablegolf club (e.g. “CORRECTIVE STAR FIT,” as displayed in the screen shot270 of FIG. 4(a)); (c) a fine-tuning golf club reconfigurationsub-program for assisting the user in performing an adjustment to aproperty-adjustable golf club, limited to fine adjustment (e.g. “FINETUNE STAR FIT,” as shown in the screen shot 270 of FIG. 4(a)); and (d) agolf ball, or other golf product, selection sub-program, for assistingthe user in selecting a golf ball, or golf product. The user thenselects the desired sub-program to be executed, using the user interface212, whereupon the desired sub-program is executed. One or more of thesesub-programs will be further discussed below.

One or more of the programs, methods, and systems discussed belowinclude the transfer of data corresponding to actual information. Suchinformation may be variously classified into information types definedas follows:

“Base golf club, or golf product, information,” as used herein, denotesinformation pertaining to one or more aspects of a golf club, or golfproduct, that the user desires to modify or use as a basis for selectinga new golf club, golf product, or component thereof. Examples of basegolf club, or golf product, information include relative or absolutevalues of: loft angle, lie angle, face angle, club head weight, totalclub weight, shaft flex, coefficient of restitution, position of arepositionable sole plate, the relative or absolute weight of aremovable weight element, and the position of a repositionable shaft.Base golf club information may also include the identity of a golf club,or component thereof, and/or information pertaining to factory settingsof a specified golf club, or a component thereof.

“Trajectory adjustment information,” as used herein, denotes informationpertaining to the performance, or feel, of a golf club or golf product.Examples of “trajectory adjustment information” include absolute orrelative values of: current ball flight distance, desired ball flightdistance, a difference between a current and a desired ball flightdistance, a current degree of fade or draw of a hit golf ball, a desireddegree of fade or draw, a difference between a current and a desireddegree of fade or draw, a current ball spin value, a desired ball spinvalue, a difference between a current and a desired ball spin value, acurrent trajectory height, a desired trajectory height, a differencebetween a current and a desired trajectory height, or a default settingrepresenting an optimal value of any of the aforementioned values.Trajectory adjustment information may also include aspects of thevibratory waves emanating from a golf club upon striking a golf ball,including aspects characterizing the sound produced by the golf cluband/or vibrations felt by the golfer.

“Environmental information,” as used herein, denotes informationpertaining to aspects extrinsic to a golf club, or golf product, which auser desires to reconfigure or select from amongst a plurality ofdistinct golf clubs or golf products, understood to have an effect onthe performance of the golf club, or golf product. Examples ofenvironmental information include absolute or relative values of:elevation, weather conditions, and course conditions. Weather conditionsmay include absolute or relative values of: temperature, average windspeed, a type and/or degree precipitation, degree of cloud cover, andwind direction. Course conditions may include absolute or relativevalues of: a degree of wetness of a course, a degree of hardness of thefairway, and a degree of narrowness of one or more fairways. For aprogram adapted to enable a user to select or reconfigure a golf club orcomponent thereof, aspects of the golf ball that the user employsconstitutes environmental information. Similarly, for a program adaptedto enable a user to select a golf ball, aspects of the user's currentgolf club or component thereof constitutes environmental information.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one or more aspects of the present invention,the corrective fit sub-program 306 is shown in detail. This sub-program306 assists a user in performing a corrective reconfiguration of theproperty-adjustable golf club 232, when executed by the processor 222 ofthe mobile communication terminal 200. In one or more alternativeaspects of the present invention, the sub-program 306, when executed,assists a user in performing a corrective reconfiguration of a differentgolf club having like adjustable properties, or any other adjustableproperties known in the art. Alternatively, or in addition, thesub-program 306, when executed, permits the golfer to select a golfclub, from amongst a library of golf clubs, which to execute the programin view of. In this aspect, based on the user selection of golf club,the processor 222 will retrieve, from storage, data pertaining to theselected golf club, from amongst data that variously pertain to eachgolf club of the library of golf clubs.

In step 310 and 312, a first GUI is presented on the display 204prompting the user to input base golf club information. Specifically,the first GUI prompts the user to input a value corresponding to themass of each removable weight element 246 a and 246 b in each of thefirst weight port 244 a and the second weight port 244 b (see FIG. 3(a))from a selection of 3 grams, 7 grams, and 11 grams. A first user inputis received and stored. A second GUI is then displayed prompting theuser to select a current position of the shaft, from amongst a pluralityof possible shaft positions. Specifically, the GUI prompts the user toselect a first value corresponding to a lie angle and a second valuecorresponding to a face angle. A second user input is received andstored.

In some aspects of the present invention, a GUI further prompts the userto input information pertaining to current shaft characteristics, suchas flex, from amongst a selection of possible shaft flexes, e.g.“A-FLEX,” “REGULAR,” “STIFF,” and “X-STIFF.” In some aspects of thepresent invention, a GUI further prompts the user to input a loft angleof the user's current golf club. In alternative aspects of the presentinvention, some or user inputs corresponding to base golf clubinformation are prompted on a single GUI. In some aspects of the presentinvention, additional base golf club information is requested, such asany of the additional exemplified base golf club information discussedabove. The result is retrieved by the processor 222 and stored in memory218.

In step 314 and 316, trajectory adjustment information is requested andreceived from the user, and stored in memory. Specifically, in someaspects, a GUI prompts the user to select between “Get rid of slice” and“Get rid of draw.” The user-inputted result is then retrieved and storedin memory 218.

In step 318, the sub-program 306 causes the processor 222 to correlatethe input data with one or more stored logic-enabled databases thatinclude logic relationships between potential input data and potentialreconfiguration information as shown in FIG. 5(a). Specifically, thefirst logic-enabled database 322 includes relationships betweenpotential user input of base golf club information 322 a (e.g. “dataassociated with user-selected shaft position,” subdivided into “faceangle” and “lie”), trajectory adjustment information 322 b (e.g.“reconfiguration correlation,” subdivided into “if user selects slicecorrection” and “if user selects draw correction”), and potentialreconfiguration information (e.g. a suggested adjustment of shaftposition that includes a face angle value and a lie angle value).

As an example of operation, a user indicates that his/her current shaftposition includes a face angle that is 1.0 degrees open and a lie anglethat is 2.0 degrees above a factory-set lie angle. The user furtherindicates a desire to correct a slice. Based on such input, theprocessor 222, using the database 322, infers that the user's desiredconfiguration corresponds to that of case #10, namely a shaft positionincluding a face angle that is 1.5 degrees closed and a lie angle thatis 0.5 degrees below the factory-set lie angle.

The second logic-enabled database 324 stores additional relationshipsbetween potential user input of base golf club information 324 a,trajectory adjustment information 324 b, and reconfigurationinformation. In this database 324, base golf club information includesthe mass values of weight elements that are currently positioned in eachof the first weight port 244 a (i.e. “back” weight port) and the secondweight port 244 b (i.e. “front” weight port) of the user's golf club.The trajectory adjustment information 324 b includes whether the userdesires a higher trajectory or whether the user desires a lowertrajectory. The reconfiguration data includes desired mass values toassist the user in choosing weight elements to associate with each ofthe first weight port 244 a and the second weight port 244 b.

As an example of operation, the user indicates a current weight elementconfiguration that includes a 7 gram weight element associated with the“front” weight port and a 3 gram weight element associated with the“back” weight port. The user further indicates a desire for a “lowertrajectory.” Based on the user-input information, the processor, usingdatabase 324, infers that the user's desired weight elementconfiguration includes an 11 gram weight element associated with the“front” weight port, and a 3 gram weight element associated with the“back” weight port.

In alternative aspects of the present invention, the prompting andreceiving of trajectory adjustment information, as in steps 314 and 316,is carried out by providing a first GUI 360 and a second GUI 362 (seeFIG. 5(b)) that enable the user to select current and desired shottrajectories by manipulating a first visualization of a trajectory shape364 and a second visualization of a trajectory shape 366, respectively.Specifically, the first GUI 360 prompts the user to manipulate the firstvisualization of a trajectory shape 364 by selecting, via relocatingpositions of a plurality of cross-hair markers 368 a and 368 b, a degreeof peak height of the current shot trajectory, a degree of current shotdistance, and a degree of current slice or hook corresponding to theuser's current shot shape. The second GUI 362 prompts the user tomanipulate the second visualization of a trajectory shape by selecting,via relocating positions of a plurality of cross-hair markers 370 a and370 b, a degree of desired shot distance, a degree of desired slice orhook, and a degree of desired peak height that correspond to the user'sdesired trajectory shape. The results are retrieved and stored inmemory, e.g. memory 218.

In some aspects of the present invention, the above sub-program 306includes instructions for the processor 222 to determine, based on theuser-selected cross-hair marker locations for each of the current anddesired trajectory shapes, reconfiguration information to assist thegolfer in modifying his or her golf club for enhanced performance.Specifically, in some aspects of the present invention, the sub-program306 instructs the processor 222 to infer reconfiguration informationbased solely on the data received from the user interaction with theGUIs 360 and 362.

For example, in some aspects, using GUI 360, the user confirms thelocation of each of the cross-hair hair markers 368 a and 368 b. Then,for the locations of each of the cross-hair markers 368 a and 368 b(i.e. current trajectory shape), a horizontal (i.e. x-coordinate) valueis stored in memory and a vertical (i.e. y-coordinate) value is storedin memory, whereby the origin of the coordinate system is at thebottom-most left-most corner of the display screen. Next, using GUI 362,the user confirms locations of each of the cross-hair markers 370 a and370 b. For the locations of each of the cross-hair markers 370 a and 370b (i.e. desired trajectory shape), a horizontal (i.e. x-coordinate)value is stored in memory and a vertical (i.e. y-coordinate) value isstored in memory, whereby the origin of the coordinate system is at thebottom-most left-most corner of the display screen. Next, the processor222 determines a horizontal trajectory correction value by differencingthe x-coordinate values of the locations of the cross-hair markers 370 aand 368 a, and determines a vertical trajectory correction value bydifferencing the y-coordinate values of the locations of the cross-hairmarkers 370 b and 368 b.

In some aspects, based on the horizontal trajectory correction value,the processor 222 determines whether the user desires either a fadecorrection or a draw correction. For example, the sub-program instructsthe processor 222 to infer a fade correction if the horizontalcorrection value (i.e. the x value of the cross-hair marker 368 alocation minus the x value of the cross-hair marker 370 a location) ispositive, and to infer a draw correction if the horizontal correctionvalue is positive. Based on this inference, in some aspects, a firstreconfiguration value (e.g. a value corresponding to a suggested shaftorientation) is outputted to the display 204 if a fade correction isinferred, and a second different reconfiguration value is outputted tothe display 204 if a draw correction is inferred.

Similarly, in some aspects, the processor 222 determines whether theuser desires either an increase in trajectory peak height or a decreasein trajectory peak height. Specifically, the sub-program 306 instructsthe processor 222 to infer a first trajectory peak height correctionvalue corresponding to a desired decrease in trajectory peak height ifthe vertical correction value (i.e. the y value of the cross-hair marker370 b location minus the y value of the first cross-hair 368 b location)is negative, and to infer a second trajectory peak height correctionvalue corresponding to a desired increase in trajectory peak height ifthe vertical correction value is positive. Based on this inference, athird reconfiguration value is outputted to the display 204 if a desireddecrease in trajectory peak height is inferred and a fourth differentreconfiguration value is outputted to the display 204 if a desiredincrease in trajectory peak height is inferred.

In other aspects of the present invention, however, the sub-program 306instructs the processor 222 to infer, as reconfiguration information, avalue corresponding to a relative degree of trajectory adjustment (e.g.fade/draw correction and trajectory peak height correction) from among arange of potential trajectory adjustment values, based on the verticalcorrection value and the horizontal correction value. Alternatively, orin addition, the processor 222 infers reconfiguration information on thecombined basis of the horizontal correction value and the verticalcorrection value. This case is advantageous in that shaft adjustmentgenerally affects both lie angle and face angle simultaneous. Further,adjustment of a single parameter, e.g. lie angle, may affect bothtrajectory peak height and fade/draw characteristics of trajectory.

In some aspects of the present invention, the sub-program instructs theprocessor to determine reconfiguration information based on the datareceived from the user interaction with the GUIs 360 and 362 incombination with data previously received and/or data to be received ina subsequent process of the sub-program. For example, in such aspects ofthe present invention, the processor 222 is adapted to inferreconfiguration information on the basis of the horizontal and verticalcorrection values in combination with data corresponding to the user'scurrent golf club configuration, current golf club properties, and/orenvironmental information such as weather conditions optionallyincluding average wind speed, and/or course conditions such as turfhardness. Such inference is to be carried out in accordance withpredetermined relationships in the form of stored algorithms,logic-enabled databases, or the like.

In some aspects of the present invention, the steps of prompting theuser to input trajectory adjustment information 314 and storing suchinformation 316 further includes prompting the user to inputresponsiveness information and storing the responsiveness information.In such aspects of the present invention, a GUI displays text and/orgraphics prompting the user to select values representing variouscharacteristics of feel. Specifically, the display prompts the user toselect a “swingweight” value from amongst a plurality of selectableswingweight values. The displayed GUI, in some aspects, informs the userthat lower “swingweight” values correspond to a lighter and faster shaftfeel, and higher “swingweight” values correspond to the golf club havinga weighty feel. Additionally, the displayed GUI prompts the user toselect a trajectory height value from amongst a plurality of valuesranging from “low” to “high.” Finally, the display prompts the user toselect a playability value from amongst a plurality of playabilityvalues ranging from “stable and straight” to “workable.” Resultinguser-inputted values are then received and stored in the memory 218.

Alternatively, or in addition, the software program instructs theprocessor to relate user-input information to output information, e.g.reconfiguration information, by using one or more mathematic algorithms,or other logic structures known in the art. In some aspects of thepresent invention, logic structures governing the relationship betweenuser-input information and reconfiguration information may include logicthat relates a plurality of user input values to a singlereconfiguration value, or relates a single user input value with aplurality of reconfiguration values.

Based on any of the above determinations of reconfiguration information,the processor 222, in step 320, causes the display 204 to display one ormore values corresponding to reconfiguration information. From thisdisplayed information, the user is able to appropriately reconfigure thegolf club 232 in a manner that improves the performance of the golf club232 for that user.

The user input information and the output reconfiguration information isnot limited to those provided in the first database 322 and the seconddatabase 324. Similarly, the logic relationships between such inputinformation, trajectory adjustment information, environmentalinformation, and reconfiguration information is not limited to thelogical relationships shown in the first database 322 and the seconddatabase 324. Thus, in alternative aspects of the present invention,other base golf club configuration information, trajectory adjustmentinformation, and environmental information described above, and/or anyadditional base golf club configuration information, trajectoryadjustment information, and environmental information is used. Empiricalmethods, computational methods, and/or the like, may then be carried outto establish appropriate relationships governing such alternative, oradditional, information. Alternatively, or in addition, the sub-program306, when executed, causes the first GUI to provide a “factory settings”selection. If selected by the user, the processor 222 will basedeterminations of output reconfiguration information on storedfactory-set information associated with the golf club 232.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one or more aspects of the present invention,the fine-tune fitting sub-program 308 is shown in detail. Thissub-program 308 assists a user in performing a last-minutereconfiguration of the property-adjustable golf club 232, when executedby the processor 222 of the mobile communication terminal 200. In one ormore alternative aspects of the present invention, the sub-program 308,when executed, assists a user in performing a fine-tune reconfigurationof a different golf club having like adjustable properties, or otheradjustable properties known in the art. Alternatively, or in addition,the sub-program 308, when executed, permits the golfer to select a golfclub, from a library of golf clubs, in view of which to execute thesub-program 308. In these aspects of the present invention, based on theuser selection of a golf club, the processor 222 will selectively usebase golf club information pertaining to the selected golf club fromamongst data, stored on the memory 218 and/or a memory associated withthe remote server 216, that variously pertains to each golf club of thelibrary of golf clubs.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in steps 332 and 334, base golf clubinformation is requested and received from a user and stored.Specifically, a first GUI 272 (see FIG. 6(d)) is presented on thedisplay 204 prompting the user to input base golf club information.Specifically, the first GUI 272 prompts the user to select a first massvalue corresponding to the removable weight element 246 a that iscurrently associated with the first weight port 244 a (i.e. “rearweight”) from amongst a selection of 3 grams, 7 grams, and 11 grams, anda second mass value corresponding to the removable weight element 246 bthat is currently associated with the second weight port 244 b (i.e.“forward weight”) from amongst a selection of 3 grams, 7 grams, and 11grams (see FIG. 6(d)). A first user input is received and stored. Asecond GUI 274 is then displayed prompting the user to select a currentshaft position from amongst a plurality of possible shaft positions ofthe golf club 232 (see FIG. 6(d)). A second user input is received andstored. In alternative aspects of the present invention, the first andsecond GUIs 272 and 274 display previously-entered base golf clubinformation and/or default base golf club information, whereupon theuser is prompted to confirm such settings or modify such base golf clubinformation to reflect the golfer's current golf club configuration.

In steps 336 and 338, trajectory adjustment information is requested andreceived from the user, and stored. Specifically, a third GUI 276 isdisplayed (see FIG. 6(d)) enabling the user to select a valuerepresenting a current shot shape chosen from amongst twelve incrementedvalues representing shot shapes of various degrees of fade or draw,ranging from −5 to +6. Negative values represent draw shots and positivevalues represent fade shots. The user-inputted selection is received andstored.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6(a), in step 340 and 342, the sub-program 308causes the processor 222 to correlate the input data with output data,e.g. reconfiguration data, based on stored logic-enabled databases 264and 266 (see FIG. 6(b)), and to store the result in the memory 218.

Specifically, the user-inputted value for desired shot shape issubtracted from the user-inputted value for current shot shape, and theresult is stored as an “actual adjustment” value. Using the database264, the “actual adjustment” value is correlated with a “scaledadjustment” value. In some embodiments, the “actual adjustment” value isnot scaled and, thus, relates to suggested reconfiguration informationin direct proportion. However, in part to compensate for a user'stendency to exaggerate his or her shot deficiency, the trajectoryinformation (in this case, the difference between the desired shot shapevalue and the actual shot shape value) is preferably scaled.Specifically, as exemplified by database 264, the relationship betweenthe difference in shot shape value and at least one of the suggestedface angle and lie angle is indirectly proportional.

Next, the database 266 is used to correlate the “scaled adjustment”value with reconfiguration information including a suggested “Faceangle” value and a suggested “Lie angle” value, or, in some aspects ofthe present invention, notation corresponding to a shaft position inwhich the golf club 232 would bear the desired face angle and desiredlie angle. Specifically, database 266 includes a vertical listing oftwelve incremental positions of the shaft 238 of the golf club 232, eachdefined by a unique combination of face angle and lie offset value. The“scaled adjustment value” corresponds to the number of positions toshift vertically from the value corresponding to the current shaftposition of the user's golf club to arrive at the suggested shaftposition. A negative “scaled adjustment” value corresponds to an upwardshift. A positive adjustment value corresponds to a downward shift. Insome aspects of the present invention, such resulting reconfigurationinformation is stored, to be further manipulated, e.g. on the basis ofinput relating to environmental information. Alternatively, or inaddition, the resulting reconfiguration information is displayed to theuser at this point. In some aspects of the present invention, suchreconfiguration information is displayed and the user is prompted torequest whether to further consider environmental information which mayresult in a modification of such resulting reconfiguration information.

As an example of operation, a user having the golf club 232 indicatesthat the reconfigurable shaft 238 is currently configured such that thegolf club 232 bears a face angle that is 1.0 degrees closed and a lieangle offset of 0.0 degrees. The user also inputs data indicating an“actual adjustment” value of 3. Using the database 264, the processor222 correlates the “actual adjustment” value of 3 with a “scaledadjustment” value of 2. Using the database 266, the processor 222determines a desired shaft configuration as having a face angle that is1.5 degrees closed and a lie angle offset of 0.5 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 6(c), in some aspects of the present invention, asdiscussed above, the sub-program 308 further includes steps 344 and 346,in which user-inputted information corresponding to environmentalinformation is requested, received, and stored. Using a GUI 278 (seeFIG. 6(d)), the environmental information includes a user selection of avalue corresponding to “wind conditions,” from among a plurality ofincremental values from 1 to 5, where 1 corresponds to “Calm” and 5corresponds to “Heavy Winds.” The environmental information furtherincludes a user selection of a value representing “Turf Conditions,”from among a plurality of incremented values from 1 to 5, where 1corresponds to “Soft” and 5 corresponds to “Firm.” Further, theenvironmental information includes a user selection of a valuerepresenting “Fairway Conditions” from among a plurality of incrementedvalues ranging from 1 to 5, where 1 corresponds to “Tight” and 5corresponds to “Wide.” The user-inputted selections are stored in thememory 218.

In step 348 and 350, the sub-program 308 causes the processor 222 tocorrelate the user-inputted environmental information withreconfiguration information for assisting the user in reconfiguring thegolf club 232 for improving the performance thereof. Referring to FIG.6(e), the step 348 is shown in further detail as including a pluralityof sub-steps. In step 348 a, the sub-program 308 causes the processor222 to generate a “Trajectory change value,” based on the “Windconditions” input information and the “Turf conditions” inputinformation, by applying the logic relationships included in a database354 (see FIG. 6(f)). The result is stored in step 348 b. In step 348 c,the sub-program 308 causes the processor 222 to determine a “SwingWeight” value, based on the input value of “Fairway Conditions,” byapplying the relationships included in a logic-enabled database 356 (seeFIG. 6(f)), and the result is stored in step 348 d. In step 348 e, basedon the results from steps 348 a and 348 c, the sub-program 308 causesthe processor 222 to determine reconfiguration information, including adesired weight element value corresponding to the first weight port 244a and a desired weight element value corresponding to the second weightport 244 b, by applying the logic relationships included in alogic-enabled database 358 (see FIG. 6(g)). The result is stored.

Referring again to FIG. 6(c), in step 352, the reconfigurationinformation, resulting from steps 344 and 348 are displayed on thedisplay 204. From this displayed information, the user is able toappropriately reconfigure the golf club 232 in a manner that improvesthe performance of the golf club 232 for that user.

As an example of operation, a user inputs a current weight configurationthat includes a front weight of 11 grams and a back weight of 3 grams,in step 332. In step 348 a, the user inputs a “wind condition” value of2 and a “turf condition” value of 3. The processor, using database 354infers a “trajectory change value” of “higher.” In step 348 c, the userinputs a “fairway conditions” input of 2. Using the database 356, theprocessor infers a “swingweight” value of “Heavier,” and stores theresult in step 348 d. Then, in step 348 e, the processor infersreconfiguration information including a suggested weight configuration,using the database 358. Specifically, for the inputted current weightconfiguration, trajectory change value, and swing weight value, theprocessor infers a suggested weight configuration of a front weight of11 grams and a back weight of 7 grams.

In one or more alternative aspects of the present invention, the user isprompted to input information related to location information, includingone or more of a geographic location and/or a golf courseidentification. By receiving location information, the program may causethe processor to receive environmental information from a remote serveror from data stored on memory 218, in place of, or in addition to,requesting and receiving environmental information directly from theuser, e.g. in step 348 a. Specifically, in these alternative aspects,the sub-program 308 causes the processor 222 to transmit theuser-inputted location information to the remote server 216 via thetransmitter 224, optionally using a conventional web service via theInternet or other network. Based on the location information, the remoteserver 216 transmits environmental information, such as wind condition,turf condition, and/or fairway size, to the processor 222. In someaspects of the present invention, the processor 222 converts thereceived environmental information to applicable values for use with thedatabases 354, 356, and 358, based on stored relationships governingsuch data conversion. For example, the processor 222.

In one or more alternative aspects of the present invention, in placeof, or in addition to, requesting and receiving user input ofenvironmental information, including location information, as in step344, the sub-program 308 acquires environmental information using theGPS receiver 228 and the remote server 216. Specifically, thesub-program 308 causes the processor 222 to request location data from aGPS satellite, via the GPS receiver 228. Based on the received locationdata, the sub-program 308 causes the processor 222 to request, receiveand store the requisite environmental information pertaining to thereceived location data, from the remote server 216 via the Internet (orother network), the transmitter 224 and the receiver 220. If necessary,the processor 222 then converts the received environmental informationto applicable values for use with the databases 354, 356, and 358, basedon stored relationships governing such data conversion.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, any or all of theinformation received from a user may be stored on non-volatile memorysuch that the user may later retrieve such information for modification.

The user-input information and the reconfiguration information are notlimited to those provided in the databases 354, 356, and 358. Similarly,the logic relationships that govern such input information andreconfiguration information are not limited to those provided indatabases 354, 356, and 358. Thus, in alternative aspects of the presentinvention, input information may include any combination of the basegolf club information, trajectory adjustment information, andenvironmental information described above, as well as any additionalbase golf club information, trajectory adjustment information, andenvironmental information known in the art, whereby logic relationshipsare provided governing such alternative, or additional, information,such logic relationships being developed computationally, empirically,and/or the like.

Additionally, or alternatively, base golf club information and/ortrajectory adjustment information may be inputted to the mobilecommunication terminal 200 electronically through the use of sensoryequipment in such connection with the mobile communication terminal 200as to permit transfer of data. For example, golf club information may bedetected by the mobile communication device using photographic devicesand/or position sensors that are positioned in proximity of, or on, thegolf club. The relative location of the position sensors, either alone,or in combination, may indicate specific properties of the golf club 232such as lie angle, loft angle, and face angle. Additionally, oralternatively, identification devices positioned in proximity, or on,the golf club 232 may be used to transfer information to the mobilecommunication terminal 232 indicative of the identification of the golfclub 232, optionally including data corresponding to predeterminedproperties thereof. Similarly, trajectory adjustment information may bedetermined electronically through the use of sensory devices inproximity of, or on, the golf club, and/or photographic devices such aselectronic launch monitors. In some aspects of the present invention,such devices measure swing characteristics and/or trajectorycharacteristics and transfer data indicative of such characteristics tothe mobile communication terminal 200 for use in conjunction with one ormore software programs in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), in one or more aspects of the presentinvention, a golf club head 400 is shown having a top portion 410, abottom portion 412 opposite the top portion 410, a heel portion 406, anda toe portion 408 opposite the heel portion 406. A hosel 404 extendsfrom the top portion 410 proximate the heel portion 406 for receiving ashaft (not shown). The hosel 404 includes a hosel centerline 440. Thegolf club head 400 further includes a striking face 402 for hitting agolf ball, and a rear portion 414 opposite the striking face 402. Aremovable cover plate 416 is located proximate the top portion 410.Referring specifically to FIG. 7(b), the cover plate 416 is secured tothe golf club head 400 with fasteners 418. In one or more aspects of thepresent invention, the fasteners 418 comprise screws and may be insertedand removed using a conventional tool such as a screwdriver, wrench,allen wrench, allen key, or the like. In alternative aspects of thepresent invention, the golf club head 400 include a removable soleplate, in place of the removable cover plate 416, for accessing elementslocated on the interior surface of the golf club head 400. Inalternative aspects of the present invention, a portion of the golf clubhead 400 that includes at least a portion of the top portion 410 and atleast a portion of the bottom portion 412 is removable.

Referring to FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d), when the cover plate 416 is removed,movable weight members 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c are revealed. The firstweight element 420 a is translatable on a first parabolic path 422 a.The second weight element is translatable on a second parabolic path 422b. The third weight element 420 c is translatable on a third parabolicpath 422 c. In alternative aspects of the present invention, any or allof the paths 422 a, 422 b, and 422 c comprise linear or curvilinearpaths. As shown in FIG. 7(d), fasteners 424 a, 424 b, and 424 c, secureeach of weight element 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c to the golf club head400. Once each of the fasteners 424 a, 424 b, and 424 c are loosened,the weight elements 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c are free to slide along eachof paths 422 a, 422 b, and 422 c, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 7(e), each of the paths 422 a, 422 b, and 422 c formprotrusions visible from the exterior of the bottom portion 412 of thegolf club head 400. In alternative aspects of the present invention,such protrusions include generally hemispherical cross-sectionalprofiles. In other aspects of the present invention, the paths 422 a,422 b, and 422 c do not form protrusions extending outward from thebottom portion 412 of the golf club head 400, but are flush with thegeneral contour of the bottom portion 412. The paths include ports 528a, 528 b, and 528 c (not shown), each covered with end caps 426 a, 426b, and 426 c, respectively. Once the end caps 426 a, 426 b, and 426 care removed, the weight elements 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c are accessiblethrough the exterior surface of the golf club head 400.

Referring to FIG. 7(f), in one or more aspects of the present invention,the weight member 420 b is shown in cross-section 7(f) (see FIG. 7(d)).As shown, the weight member 420 b includes an upper portion 430 and alower portion 432. The upper portion 430 may have a first height 430 a,and the second weight portion 432 may have a second height 432 a lessthan the first height 430 a. The upper portion 430 may also have a firstwidth 430 b, and the second weight portion 432 may have a second width432 b less than the first width 430 b. And the upper portion 430 mayinclude a non-zero degree vertex 431 constituted by angled surfaceportions forming an interior angle greater than 180°. The lower portion432 and the upper portion 430 are separated by L-shaped ribs 435, whichextend the length of the path 422 b. The upper portion 430 may include anon-threaded aperture 430 c through which the fastener 424 b extends,and the lower portion 432 may include a threaded recess 432 ccorresponding to the fastener 424 b. When the fastener 424 b istightened, the upper portion 430 and the lower portion 432 arecompressed against the L-shaped ribs 435, securing the weight 420 b inplace. In one or more aspects of the present invention, weight members420 a and 420 c are similarly configured to weight member 420 b andinclude like structural features.

Referring to FIG. 7(g), the golf club head 400 is shown in a referenceposition. “Reference position,” as used herein, denotes a position ofthe club head 400 where the hosel centerline 440 is oriented at a lieangle of 60° with respect to a horizontal ground plane 436 and lies inan imaginary vertical hosel plane 438, which contains an imaginaryhorizontal line generally parallel to the striking face 402. The paths422 a, 422 b, and 422 c are each shown, represented as curvilineardashed lines. When the golf club head 400 is in the reference position,each path 422 a, 422 b, and 422 c extends both in the front to reardirection as well as in the top to bottom direction. This pathconfiguration permits greater flexibility in adjusting the position ofthe center of gravity and/or moments of inertia of the golf club head400.

Referring to FIG. 7(h), an adjustment tool 500 is shown. The adjustmenttool may be electrically powered, e.g. by removable batteries or otherDC power source, or by AC power source, e.g. through a conventionalelectrical outlet. The adjustment tool 500 includes an electronicdisplay 502, a user interface 504, a casing 508, a spout 510 having adepressed annulus 510 a, and a pusher 506. In one or more aspects of thepresent invention, the pusher 506 comprises a flexible but relativenon-compressible material such that the pusher 506 may flex in theradial direction, but be substantially rigid in the axial direction.

Referring to FIG. 7(i), the adjustment tool 500 includes a controller520, which may comprise a hardware processor, a servo motor 512,controlled by the controller 520, and a drive gear 514 connected to theservo motor 512 by a pulley 522. The drive gear 514 includes teeth 514 aand is capable of rotating in a forward and rearward direction. As thedrive gear 514 rotates, the teeth 514 a of the drive gear 514 engagewith the teeth 506 a of the pusher 506, resulting in linear motion ofthe pusher 506. The adjustment tool 500 further includes areceiver/transmitter 524 for receiving and transmitting data from aremote data source such as a personal computer, mobile communicationterminal, or electronic launch monitor. The controller 520 alsocommunicates with a memory 516, which includes a non-volatile memorydevice, a volatile memory device, or both. Thus, the controller 520 mayaccess the memory 516 or a remote memory device accessible through theinput/output device 524 to run one or more user-interactive adjustmentsoftware programs, as discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 7(j), the adjustment tool 500 is engageable with thegolf club head 400. Specifically, the spout 510 of the adjustment tool500 in insertable into the port 528 b of the bottom portion 412 of thegolf club head 400, once the end cap 416 b is removed. The recessedannulus 510 a axially coincides with an O-ring 526 located within theport 528 b to ensure secure engagement and, in some aspects of thepresent invention, to ensure that the position of the spout 510 remainsconsistently positioned. Once the adjustment tool 500 is engaged withthe golf club 400, the pusher 506 is configured to fit within a spaceformed between the wall 434 of club head 400 and the L-shaped ribs 435.The pusher 506 is adapted to engage with the lower portion 432 of theweight element 420 b. Once the fastener 424 b is loosened, then theweight element 420 b is configured to move under the force of the pusher506.

Based on the design of the adjustment tool 500 and the golf club head400, software programs, embodied on computer-readable medium, to becarried out by the hardware controller 520, may be adapted to preciselyposition each of the weight elements 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c. Forexample, the user may input, inter alia, trajectory adjustmentinformation, including information pertaining to user's current shotshape and desired shot shape. Using predetermined relationshipsgoverning the center of gravity location and moments of inertia asaffected by the repositioning of each of the weight elements 420 a, 420b, and 420 c, the controller 520 is capable of prescribing precisely theposition of the weight elements 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c, necessary toappropriately modify performance characteristics of the golf club head400.

Once the trajectory adjustment information is inputted, the controller520 causes the display 502 to prompt the user to secure the adjustmenttool 500 within the first port 528 a. Once engaged, the user indicatesengagement is successful. Then the controller 520 causes the servermotor 512 to operate the drive gear 514 until the controller 520determines that the calculated position of the pusher 506 coincides witha desired position of the weight element 420 a for achieving a desiredcenter of gravity location and/or club head inertial properties. Suchdeterminations are based on stored modeling of the shape of the paths422 a, 422 b, and 422 c, as well as stored relationships governing theposition of the end of the pusher 506 with rotational displacement ofthe servo motor 512. Such determinations are also based on storedmodeling data correlating the positions of each of the weight elements420 a, 420 b, and 420 c with the center of gravity and the moments ofinertia of the golf club head 400. In alternative aspects of the presentinvention, the servo motor 512 is substituted by other position sensingdrivers known in the art, such as hydraulic drivers, pneumatic drivers,magnetic drivers, or the like.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, once the end of thepusher 506 corresponds to the appropriate adjustment position, the servomotor 512 stops driving the drive gear 514, and, in some aspects of thepresent invention, retracts the pusher 506. The user may then use theinterface 504 to advance the program to perform adjustment of the secondweight element 420 b, and ultimately the third weight element 420 c.Either by the detection of position, or by user input using theinterface 504, the controller 520 receives information pertaining towhich weight element is currently being adjusted, such that thecontroller 520 may appropriately step through the software program. Suchadjustments occur in like manner to the adjustment of the position ofthe first weight element 420 a. In operation, the user may then tightenthe weight elements 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c to secure them in place. Byusing data modeling, and an adjustment tool capable of precise motion,weight adjustment may be carried out with greater accuracy and users mayhave greater ability to capitalize on the degree of adjustability of thegolf club.

While various features have been described in conjunction with theexamples outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,variations, and/or improvements of those features and/or examples may bepossible. Accordingly, the examples, as set forth above, are intended tobe only illustrative. Various changes may be made without departing fromthe broad spirit and scope of the underlying principles.

What is claimed is:
 1. A weight element for slideable communicationalong first and second ribs of a weight path of a golf club head, theweight element comprising: a first weight portion; a second weightportion; and a fastener extending through the first weight portion andat least partially into the second weight portion; wherein: the firstand second weight portions are configured so that the first and secondribs may be interposed therebetween; the fastener is configured toindependently rotate relative to the first and second weight portions,the rotation of the fastener causing the first and second weightportions to move toward each other in a manner capable of compressingcontact surfaces of the first and second weight portions against thefirst and second ribs to thereby releasably secure the weight element tothe golf club head; and the contact surface of the first weight portioncomprises an angular contour including surface portions angled to format least one non-zero degree vertex.
 2. The weight element of claim 1,wherein the fastener comprises a threaded screw.
 3. The weight elementof claim 1, wherein the first weight portion comprises a non-threadedaperture and the second weight portion comprises a threaded recess. 4.The weight element of claim 3, wherein the first weight portioncomprises a first height and the second weight portion comprises asecond height less than the first height.
 5. The weight element of claim3, wherein the first weight portion comprises a first width and thesecond weight portion comprises a second width less than the firstwidth.
 6. The weight element of claim 1, wherein the contact surface ofthe second weight portion comprises a substantially flat surface incross-section.
 7. The weight element of claim 1, wherein the angledsurface portions form an interior angle greater than 180°.
 8. A weightelement for slideable communication along first and second ribs of aweight path of a golf club head, the weight element comprising: a firstweight portion; a second weight portion; and a fastener extendingthrough the first weight portion and at least partially into the secondweight portion; wherein: the first and second weight portions areconfigured so that the first and second ribs may be interposedtherebetween; the fastener is configured to independently rotaterelative to the first and second weight portions, the rotation of thefastener causing the first and second weight portions to move towardeach other in a manner capable of compressing contact surfaces of thefirst and second weight portions against the first and second ribs tothereby releasably secure the weight element to the golf club head; andthe contact surface of the first weight portion comprises an angularcontour including surface portions angled to form at least one non-zerodegree vertex; and the contact surface of the first weight portioncomprises a recess, at least a part of the second weight portion beinglocated within the recess when the weight element is in a securedposition.
 9. The weight element of claim 8, wherein the fastenercomprises a threaded screw.
 10. The weight element of claim 8, whereinthe first weight portion comprises a non-threaded aperture and thesecond weight portion comprises a threaded recess.
 11. The weightelement of claim 10, wherein the first weight portion comprises a firstheight and the second weight portion comprises a second height less thanthe first height.
 12. The weight element of claim 10, wherein the firstweight portion comprises a first width and the second weight portioncomprises a second width less than the first width.
 13. The weightelement of claim 8, wherein the contact surface of the second weightportion comprises a substantially flat surface in cross-section.
 14. Theweight element of claim 8, wherein the angled surface portions form aninterior angle greater than 180°.
 15. A weight element for slideablecommunication along first and second ribs of a weight path of a golfclub head, the weight element comprising: a first weight portioncomprising a non-threaded aperture; a second weight portion comprising athreaded recess; and a fastener extending through the non-threadedaperture of the first weight portion and at least partially into thethreaded recess of the second weight portion, the fastener comprising athreaded screw, wherein: the first and second weight portions areconfigured so that the first and second ribs may be interposedtherebetween; the fastener is configured to independently rotaterelative to the first and second weight portions to cause the first andsecond weight portions to move toward each other, thereby being capableof compressing contact surfaces of the first and second weight portionsagainst the first and second ribs and releasably securing the weightelement to the golf club head; and the contact surface of the firstweight portion comprises an angular contour including surface portionsangled to form at least one non-zero degree vertex.
 16. The weightelement of claim 15, wherein the contact surface of the first weightportion comprises a recess and, when the weight element is in a securedposition, at least a portion of the second weight portion is locatedwithin the recess.
 17. The weight element of claim 15, wherein the firstweight portion comprises a first height and the second weight portioncomprises a second height less than the first height.
 18. The weightelement of claim 15, wherein the first weight portion comprises a firstwidth and the second weight portion comprises a second width less thanthe first width.
 19. The weight element of claim 15, wherein the contactsurface of the second weight portion comprises a substantially flatsurface in cross-section.
 20. The weight element of claim 15, whereinthe angled surface portions form an interior angle greater than 180°.